USMC Platoon 349 USMCRD San Diego, CA 1958 What's New Group Photo with Links to Bios DIs S.Sgt./Gunny Connell Sgt. Cockrell Sgt. Beltz Platoon Photos Sea Stories Marines We Will Miss About Web Site Military Humor FAQ Links Email Us

Dean Potter, Serial # 1820606 At the urging of a local Judge, I joined the Marine Reserve unit in Reno, Nv on May 13,1958. Went to MCRD for bootcamp on June 18. After leaving ITR, I reported to the Marine Barracks, Naval Ammunition Depot, Hawthorne, Nv. for a 18 month tour. Transfered to 1st Marine Division, FMF for reassignment to Okinawa. Unfortunately for me, I "swallowed a flame thrower blast of experimental fuel" that a wind gust returned to the source. Missed three movements and and had surgery to remove the lower lobe of my left lung. Spent time at the Camp Pendleton Base Hospital, then on to Balboa Naval Hospital, and had 30 days convalescent leave, total time spent on the above was about nine months. Went back to full duty and was assigned to the 7th Marine Regiment for about 2 hours. The Commanding Officer thought I looked a little pale and weak for the 7th Marines and returned me for re-assignment to Division Headquarters. Division then sent me to the 3rd Amphibous Tractor Battalion, H&S Company, at Camp Del Mar for the remainder of my tour. Released from active duty on May 14, 1962, as a L/Cpl. Will furnish the website with some sea stories at a later date. e-mail address: dndpotter2@aol.com